Steven Parbach asked:


Find Massage Therapy Programs in the United States and Canada. Presently, students have many diverse massage therapy programs from which to choose. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 1,300 massage therapy programs throughout the United States alone.

In typical massage therapy programs, training begins with anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, range of motion, business and ethics. Because there is such a wide variety of massage techniques, massage institutes and schools often differ in instructional methods. For example, base training in massage therapy programs usually includes practical instruction in Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and sports massage. However, several healing arts schools offer expanded variations of these techniques with additional training in other natural healing modalities.

While most massage therapy programs range from 300-500 hours, a number of these courses exceed 1,000 training hours. Students who prefer to examine unique massage methods find that elective and focalized training is available. For instance, were you aware that there are over 60 styles of massage therapy? In addition to traditional bodywork therapies like sports, deep tissue and Swedish massage, students can enroll in massage therapy programs that provide training in specific modalities like acupressure, Trager therapy, Thai massage, reflexology, polarity therapy, prenatal massage, myofascial release therapy, canine/equine massage, chair massage, Tuina, Lomi Lomi, Structural Integration, and Zero Balancing, among several others.

Successful graduates may be eligible to take an exam through the NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) to become nationally certified. Requirements for taking this exam include a minimum of 500 hours training from one of a number of accredited, state-approved massage therapy programs.

Health insurance companies are beginning to cover natural healthcare treatments provided by qualified massage therapists. This, along with the fact that massage therapy is gaining in popularity, are some of many excellent reasons why prospective students may wish to enroll in any one of several massage therapy programs to achieve gainful and rewarding employment as professional massage therapists.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy programs let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

*Occupational Resources: BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Massage Therapy Programs: Career Training Opportunities Today

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NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Terry Mcdermott asked:


Projections by the U.S. Department of Labor forecast employment opportunities for massage therapists to grow by 18 to 26 percent from 2004-2014.

According to the 2006-2007 Edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for employment for massage therapists will “increase faster than average” during the period from 2004-2014. The Bureau defines “faster than average” as “increase 18 to 26 percent.”

Among the reasons for the growing demand for massage therapists, the publication cites “massage therapy’s growing acceptance as a medical tool.” Apparently, younger Americans appreciate the effectiveness of massage at reducing stress through relaxation and the growing segment of older Americans are experiencing specific therapeutic benefits. The willingness of the “medical provider and insurance industries” to recommend and cover the costs of massage therapy is another growth factor cited by the Bureau.

There are roughly 1,300 massage therapy postsecondary schools, college programs, and training programs throughout the country. After enrolling in a training program, massage therapy students study anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and other subjects covering the structure and function of the human body. Students must understand how the body works and moves and how the various systems relate and interact.

Students also train in the various massage types, or “modalities,” and learn the techniques associated with each form of massage offered by the training institution. There are dozens of unique approaches to massage ranging from techniques that focus on a specific area of the body to techniques that approach the body holistically and consider both physical and mental aspects of health and relaxation.

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that massage therapists held about 97,000 jobs in 2004. Most massage therapists are self-employed and own their own business. The balance are independent contractors or are employed by businesses that offer massage services. These include spas, health clubs, medical offices and sports organizations.

An aging population and broader acceptance of alternative medical practices will only increase the demand for massage therapists. Baby-boomers will carry their appreciation for message into their senior years and the elderly, in general, are recognizing the benefits of massage as a support for a more active lifestyle. Businesses have begun offering on-site massage to employees to help deal with on-the-job stress and help improve productivity. Health insurance companies are recognizing the contribution of massage to overall health and many are including massage in their coverage.

The outlook is bright for existing and potential massage therapists. The occupation offers a great deal of flexibility and an opportunity to operate independently. Income levels are fair and growing and the social aspects are quite attractive to those who enjoy helping and interacting with many different people. Enrollment in massage schools is on the rise and good schools, ambitious students and increased demand bode well for future massage therapists.

Steven Parbach asked:


Find Spa and Aromatherapy Courses in the United States and Canada. If you’ve taken an interest in holistic health and wellbeing, today you can find a wide array of available spa and aromatherapy courses that offer certification and/or diplomas upon completion.

In typical spa and aromatherapy courses, students are introduces to a variety of hands-on classes including studies in herbs and essential oils in natural beauty and healthcare, skin therapies (i.e., detoxification, microderm abrasion, etc.), beauty and holistic skincare nutrition, esthetics, body wrapping, facials and exfoliations, Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, seated massage, and sometimes, reflexology. Depending on the independent spa and aromatherapy courses in which you participate, some programs may integrate basic CPR and first aid, in addition to physiology and anatomy.

While curriculums vary, so do lengths of actual spa and aromatherapy courses. In some cases, spa and aromatherapy courses may be held as weekend workshops and holistic health seminars, but for the career-oriented individuals, certification is possible in longer training programs that may be well above 900 training hours.

Students who graduate and achieve certificates from spa and aromatherapy courses can use these important credentials to work in entry-level positions as spa and aromatherapist technicians in a wellness clinic, massage therapy facility, spa salon or day spa. In addition to working in natural healthcare clinics, experienced spa technicians and aromatherapists can work in the tourist industry at luxury hotels, tropical vacation resorts and even aboard cruise ships.

Because the health and wellness industry is constantly expanding, graduates of spa and aromatherapy courses can definitely acquire gainful employment. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “continued growth in the number of nail salons and full-service day spas will generate numerous job openings.”

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding spa and aromatherapy courses, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Spa and Aromatherapy Courses Today

© Copyright 2007

The CollegeBound Network

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NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Maya Silverman asked:


Tantra massage is a sensuous, healing massage with its origins in ancient India. Using the healing power of touch, Tantric erotic massage engages all of the body’s senses in bringing two people together. A gathering together of the senses, the Tantra massage can bring new meaning and to a couple’s relationship. The focus on sexual completion is abandoned and instead the couple takes a journey into relaxation, openness and learning to receive as well as give.

In the Trantra philosophy, sexual energy is viewed as the life force. Every part of the body is touched in an erotic massage allowing all of life’s hurts and pains to be dissipated and drawn forth from where it has been trapped within the flesh. Removing the negative energy through massage allows the body to relax and absorb the positive aspects of touch and communication.

Tantra massage heals the body and can help a couple overcome sexual problems and intimacy issues.  The massage can culminate in orgasm but it is not the goal.  It can help a non-orgasmic woman to orgasm or a man with erection difficulties or pre-mature ejaculation to find freedom from these problems. If there is a medical basis to a problem it should be addressed but if it is emotional Tantra massage can provide the answer.

Our emotions and painful experiences have a powerful effect on our ability to interact with our loved ones. Tantra massage can make us more whole. Even one Tantric massage can change us and our relationships and help us to become more accepting of our bodies and of each other.

Tantric massage should always take place in the proper environment with the proper setting. The room should be softly lit and a comfortable temperature. Time is extremely important. There should be no sense of urgency or rushing. Allow 90 to 120 minutes for the complete process. Use oils to lubricate the skin and always use a delicate touch.

There are many massage techniques that can easily be learned. When you are the giver it is essential to remain relaxed and to help your partner relax and enjoy the experience of being the receiver. Keep eye contact through the process and watch the receiver for clues to his/her enjoyment. The giver can stay in control but monitor the massage according to the receiver’s level of comfort and pleasure.

Learning Tantra massage techniques will enrich your own personal experience with intimacy as well as your partners.

Steven Parbach asked:


Now that you’ve decided to pursue an exciting and personally-fulfilling career in massage therapy, the next step is applying to the appropriate school. Promising a course-intensive massage education, the Ohio College of Massotherapy (OCM) offers prospective students workshops and seminars in myofascial release and neuromuscular therapy, as well as diploma and degree programs in massage, including an online associate degree program in massage therapy at their Akron, Ohio campus location.

“We specialize in Massotherapy, and have been instructing for over 34 years,” says Maribeth Sheredy, an admissions representative at the school. Established in 1973, Ohio College of Massotherapy has a rich history as a non-profit organization that is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).

The massage therapy programs at Ohio College of Massotherapy are quite vigorous, explains Sheredy. “The benefits of our courses are that we elaborate on what’s on the State Medical Board…(our programs) are course intensive, and we know how to get you to the State Medical Board, so you are going to take on a heavy load of sciences.”

Among the various massage therapy programs at Ohio College of Massotherapy, prospective students have the options to choose from the Associate of Applied Science Degree Program in Massage Therapy, and the Massage Therapy Diploma program. In addition, to on-campus training Sheredy notes that 90 percent of the Distance Learning Associate of Applied Science Degree Program in Massage Therapy can be completed online. “(Students) can come in for residential intensives on weekends or at their convenience.”

Both the diploma program and degree program consist of comprehensive training in anatomy, physiology, massage, medical terminology, psychology, neuromuscular therapy, clinical labs, American literature or an Introduction to Western Art, ethics, oral/written communications, and pathophysiology. The difference between the two is that more advanced levels of education are offered in the massage therapy degree programs. In addition, degree programs take about 22 months to complete with 67 credit hours, and OCM’s massage diploma program offers 47 credit hours. Sheredy also notes that alumni who have completed the diploma program are welcome to return to acquire sufficient credits to earn their massage therapy degree.

Participating in a variety of financial aid programs, Ohio College of Massotherapy is approved by the State Medical Board of Ohio, the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools, the Department of Education, and is approved for Veterans Training and the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. Aside from OCM’s National Accreditation, Sheredy explains why students might choose Ohio College of Massotherapy as their massage therapy school of choice. “We want you to look at passing rates and placement rates (of all schools) so you have a comparison, and make that judgment call yourself.”

Because the field of massage therapy offers a promising career outlook, now is the best time to enlist in a quality massage school and acquire essential skills and education so you, too, can become a licensed massage therapist. Schedule your tour at Ohio College of Massotherapy today and begin your road to personal and professional success.

Featured School the Week: Ohio College of Massotherapy

Copyright 2007

The CollegeBound Network

All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Oakworks Inc asked:


Massage therapy has been in use for a long time. Chinese documents dating back more than 3000 years denote its use. In recent years, massage therapy has grown in relevance, popularity and significance as a viable alternative to more traditional treatments. Adding to the legitimacy of massage as an alternative treatment option, many states now regulate the industry by requiring massage therapists be fully trained and licensed. Massage therapy techniques target the muscles and soft tissue of the human body to help promote natural healing. Since its first documented use, massage therapy techniques have evolved to offers more that 250 different techniques or modalities.

Licensed massage therapists (LMTs) are providing treatment in all sorts of settings; from offices and airports to spas and luxury hotels. Many businesses have even contracted LMTs to come into their workplace and provide massages to their employees. Portable massage tables and chairs have enabled the industry to provide their services in almost any location. Jeffry Riach, Co-Owner and CEO of Oakworks Inc, the leading manufacturer of portable massage tables and chairs for over 30 years noted that “Oakworks continues to see an increasing demand for professional massage tables and chairs.” Mr. Riach went on to say that what’s even more exciting is the demand we’re seeing for our professional massage table products for use in home spas. You can view the entire line of Oakworks Professional Massage tables and Massage Chairs by visiting www.oakworks.com.

If you’re considering getting a massage, you’ll want to take a few things into consideration. One of the most important aspects you’ll want to pay close attention to is the qualifications of the massage therapist who will be performing your massage. You can find out if your state requires a license by visiting the Massage Register website at www.massageregister.com and clicking on the “Certification and Licensing” link under the General information heading. If your does require massage therapists be licensed, don’t be afraid to ask if the person giving the treatment is licensed and ask to see the license.

You’ll also want to know the type of modality the massage therapist uses. You can find out more about massage therapy and different massage modalities by visiting the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals website at www.massagetherapy.com. With more that 250 modalities in use today, it can be a bit daunting to understand all of them, but the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals website does a great job of breaking them down into simple to understand terms. The LMT you choose will also be able to explain the modality(s) they use and also help you understand what the benefits of their chosen modality or modalities are.

And finally, ask about any equipment they will be using including massage tables or massage chairs, oils or lotions. Let your LMT know if you have any allergies as this may affect the use of some oils or lotions. Also, massage table drapes and face rest covers and may be of concern. Tell your LMT if you have any allergies to perfumes, dyes or synthetic materials.

Millions of people around the world have discovered the exceptional benefits of massage therapy as an alternative to traditional medicines. Massage therapy provides numerous health benefits. Highest among those benefits are pain relief and stress relief. As our lives continue to move at a faster pace, we’re continually searching for ways to get healthy, relax and unwind. For many, massage therapy is the key to maintaining their health and wellbeing.

Chris Powell asked:


There are many benefits to a good massage. New Jersey has many places and types of massage therapists there that are willing to meet your needs and give you the type of massage that you really want. In most cases the massage therapists in New Jersey are certified in their field and know the proper techniques in order for you to receive the attention and stress relief that you deserve. Depending on what you need and want, you’ll want to choose a massage therapist that can provide it. You need to do research however when looking into getting a massage. You need to look into the type of establishment that you will be looking to go to in order to get the desired effect of the massage. You also need to look into the business practices of the establishment that you are going to visit to ensure that you will be receiving the attention and relief that you need.

There are various types of massage establishments in the New Jersey area. Some of them have different focuses and different goals for the massages that they provide. There are sports massage establishments which are designed to treat the athletes and the weekend warriors in the state in order to keep them up and running and ready for the next event. You can visit a spa which will give you the full treatment of tension massages as well as the pampering that you so desperately crave. There are also the establishments that simply set themselves up as massage parlors and offer simply that. These are the establishments where you can go in on your lunch and receive a quick massage to relieve the stress and tension of the day to keep you going.

Many of these establishments use licensed massage therapists to provide these massages. In some cases they do not. You need to look into the practices of the establishments and talk to people to find out their opinions and feelings about these places. Look into the Better Business Bureau to find out more and whether or not they have a good reputation in the community.

Just be careful when looking for a massage, New Jersey. Know what you are getting into as there are many out there that will work to deceive you and believe that you are getting something you are not. This is not the case however, most of the time. In most cases these places are reputable and looking to provide a service to you as a massage receiver. They are just looking to do their job and keep the clients happy so that they can build their business. So just look into the various offers that are out there and research to find the right product for your needs and stresses in your life. Massages can be very beneficial if they are done by the right person and done in the right way. So look into what you want and what you will be getting in order to get the most out of your money that you will be spending.

Melinda Lemme asked:


Massage therapists in Winter Park are developed most efficiently by Central Florida School of massage is what many people believe. It provides quality education that can be easily understood by the fact that their graduates have a pass rate of 96.8 percent on the national licensing examination that is far above the national average of just 69 percent. The massage school is located in Winter park and thus is at a brilliant place as well. The program at the school is designed to give the students the beautiful skills of massage to perfection so that they go on to become a wonderful massage therapist.

The options of places available for client to have massage are huge in Winter Park. At Ancient Art that is one of the best massage therapists in Winter Park, you can actually feel as if you have never been at a world so beautiful as this. State floors, rich warm colors and tickling water at every place along with the quietness of the place will steal your heart almost instantly. If you are looking for an extraordinary experience for you mind, body and soul them then you visit Ancient Art massage is what one of the visitor said after having a wonderful time out there. The client still remembers the name of his massage therapist and recalls him as jai and signifies him as an extraordinary therapist. He said that after a bit of light tough to all parts of the body the therapist went to the right parts that needed most care and the impact was exceptional.

Another client said that Craniosacral Therapy in every part of Winter Park is exceptional. Craniosacral therapy is a method that helps in detecting and correcting imbalances in the Craniosacral system. A gentle technique works on soft tissues and fluids. A sensitive and perceptive torch looks for the blocks in the area around the central nervous system. The technique used to reset the nature of the block is called Stillpoint and it allows the body to move freely. The treatment has tremendous affects and provides peace of mind and emotions.

Another very special massage is the Thermal Stone massage that gives complete relaxation. The hot and cold stone massage is an ancient technique that makes use of glassy-smooth black volcanic river stones that are heated. The massage is combined with the application of stones over the body, the face the, hands and the feet. People who have gone through the massage have often described it as dream like and you feel as if you are out of consciousness. As hot stones are used during the massage, the benefits are equally as much as the famous Swedish massage, deep tissue massage as well as the trigger point massage. However, this massage has an added benefit as well as the heat that penetrates the muscle and tendon implies deeper effect with lesser pressure. It has numerous benefits such as reduction of pain and swelling, good blood circulation and stress reduction to name a few.

Orion Rogers asked:


At what time it comes to skills as well as styles of massage, there are many which you have to study. If you are involved with this type of medical cure, you will find to find out more when you learn at a massage school. If you are in search of an exact massage school, San Diego offers you Body Mind College. Conversely, you will be able to get massage knowledge and preparation at other massage schools. Similar to Body Mind College, these scientific and vocational institutions which teach massage treatment let you to study the dissimilar techniques of alleviating tension from the human being. Can it be physical, religious, or mental relaxation; you will study providing this to your client. When you study at a massage school, you will find to know the correct methods of curing a human being.

In case you desire to study in a massage school, San Diego suggests Body Mind College. There are as well self-governing centers which educate massage treatment to persons who are enthralled with this healing. These schools typically cover the Western and Eastern styles as well as skills of massage treatment. The eastern kind of treatment dwells on the whole wellbeing of a person’s brain, spirit, as well as body. Alternatively, the western kind concentrates on a person’s healing from sicknesses and injuries. When the two kinds are united, you will most probable be taught skills on healing massage, kneading, hydrotherapy, shiatsu, and Reiki, among others. Your massage school San Diego may as well offer particular advanced programs. Throughout these courses, you will be taught particular forms of massage treatment like lymph massage, geriatric massage, and pain management.

If you desire to be an expert massage therapist, you are able to start communications and psychology. These courses will let you to improve your relationship with your customers. In contrast, you can as well take up courses which are connected with managing your personal massage clinic.